【Appellation】 Jyonohira, Katsunuma Town, Yamanashi Prefecture (Cabernet),Kikyogahara, Nagano Prefecture (Merlot) 【Variety】 Cabernet Sauvignon 60%,　Merlot 40% 【Harvest】 early October (Merlot),Late October (Cabernet Sauvignon) 【Fermentation】 16-18 days, 28-30℃ 【Aging】 27 months in Small barrels 【Alcohol Content】 12.5% 【Total Acidity】 5.6g/L 【Residual Sugar】 2.0g/L or less 【Production】 4,200 bottles 【Vintage】 The weather was good from early spring until May, and the grapes grew at a pace five to seven days faster than usual. Even after entering the rainy season, there were many days of fine weather and the anticipated appearance of harmful insects was kept to a minimum. Favorable conditions for grape growth continued thereafter with continued summer-like fine weather and a low level of rainfall at 70 to 80% of the average year. The growth of Cabernet Sauvignon ﾒJo-no-Hiraﾓ was steady and proceeded simultaneously with coloration from the end of August till early September. Due to the rather gradual lessening of acidity in the middle and end of October, harvesting began on October 28, slightly later than the average year. Furthermore, Merlot of ﾒKikyogaharaﾓ was also blessed by fine weather, and grapes satisfactory in sugar content and color were harvested that provided good vintages. During the maturing period, the morning and evening temperatures dropped, providing favorable conditions for increasing sugar content and coloring of the fruit skin. Consequently, high quality grapes were harvested. An abundant crop with good size of fruit and bunches was harvested. 【Tasting Comments】 Dark ruby with a blackish nuance in the center. It has a bouquet with a hint of dark soil of the forest, in addition to a fragrance of mature cassis and black cherry. Perhaps owing to the passing of time, elements in the flavor are also pleasant without being too heavy. It has a very composed aftertaste with a blend of bitterness and astringency (April 2002).